Management thoughts on the Hearts game and the season so far.

Posted on Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Mike says –

“A day late with this as after Saturday’s game I headed through to Hardgate (Clydebank) to see the New Year in with my father-in-law. Anyway I wish a good New Year to all Spartans and everyone involved in East of Scotland football.

The Hearts side were younger that the Hibs side we played last week but gave our skeleton squad a really good run out. In the real world the young Hearts keeper wouldn’t have been around to make the two or three breath taking saves he made during the game after his collision with Omar and although we had the edge on chances Hearts probably had more possession. Considering who was missing Sam and I were very happy with the lads available for all three games (Bonnyrigg included) over the festive period. We have blooded a number of Under 21 and Under 19 players and Greig Atkinson is still with the Under 17’s. Players like John Grant and Jonathan Seeley have had quality game time and picking the team for The Vale this Saturday will give Sam and myself and pleasant headache.     

As for the season so far I think that back in August we all wondered how we’d cope without Stewart Fowlie, Chris Townsley, Alex King and Ross Archibald. We are not the finished article by any means but the boys who came in and the players who welcomed them take immense credit for the way they have gelled. The players took the Scottish Cup exit much better than their management and coaches and their resilience has shown through in a very competitive league. Gretna, Stirling University, Whitehill and The Vale (who have many games in hand) will all quite rightly think they can win the title this season and the remaining 4 months will provide some exciting football.

I can’t wait and I hope you feel the same.”

Mike